"Frivolite" by Tatiana Alexandrovna Klejmenova

Klejmenova's "Frivolite"

When it comes to tatting the language of the text matters little. As long as the patterns have a photo of each lace piece and a well illustrated diagram clearly marked with the order of work and the stitch counts. This tatting book in Russian is a good example.

"Frivolite" by Tatiana Alexandrovna Klejmenova is not just a pattern book. It contains instructions in step by step illustrations showing all basics plus use of picot gauge, Josephine knots, block tatting, split ring and how to read diagrams, too. This is a scholarly and technical tatting instruction hardback book with 240 pages. 7" x 9" is size, it also has 16 color plates.

I was particularly fascinated by the intense study of the tatted mignonette ground. The sample above is just one of many shapes and applications included. The mignonette ground was featured in flowers, geometric shapes and figures. One figure appears to be that of a Russian angel or princess. Part of the study concentrated on small pieces, i.e., a triangle in mignonette, that was later combined in multiples for large pieces. Other shapes included regular doilies divided in cone, round, or other shapes. These shapes were outline in traditional tatted edges, but the inner negative space was filled with mignonette tatting.

The color plate showing a bird in a bush shows a combination of traditional flower and leaf forms with a stylized bird in tatting. This leaf form, often called "wheat ears" is diagramed in detail with many variations, too. Over 25 different tatted grounds are illustrated and presented with the intention of forming large items like tablecloths. A wonderful combination of new and old tatting forms.

I acquired this book for my personal tatting reference library. After 15 years it may be difficult to find today but worth the effort. G. Seitz.